Some of our certificate programs provide graduate level training. Others allow professional musicians to refresh or supplement their previous musical education. Still others prepare students for undergraduate study at a higher institution (like NEC). Avocational musicians with strong music backgrounds can earn credentials.

The core of the certificate program is private studio instruction and performance, which is offered for all instruments as well as voice, guitar and composition. Most certificates are equal to two years of full-time study; part-time domestic students may extend the curriculum over a period of up to five years, and may also take summer courses to accelerate their program. The Skills Certificate, Jazz Certificate, and Music-in-Education programs have their own requirements; see the links for more information.

Students seeking admission into a certificate program must have documentable proficiency as a performing singer, instrumentalist, or composer. Limited scholarship funds are available for certificate students.

Students who have completed the certificate program have been accepted into institutions such as:

Berklee College of Music

Eastman

Longy School of Music

Manhattan School of Music

New England Conservatory

The New School of Music

NYU

Now accepting applications. Please click on the menu to the left for more information about specific programs—and don’t hesitate to contact us! We’ll be happy to help you sort things out at at 617-585-1701 or ContinuingEducation@necmusic.edu.

Application Procedure

To apply for NEC's School of Continuing Education certificate program click on one of the following links below for domestic applicants or international applicants and you will be taken to the application page where you will create an account and apply online. There is $50 non-refundable application fee.

New England Conservatory of Music does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or veteran status in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, or other Conservatory-sponsored activities.